Without trying to second guess the boots on the ground - it does not appear there was any type of interior attack being performed by the fire department. The dept. members outside all seem to have on self contained breathing apparatus but not necessary if they are outside breathing ambient air. Pouring water on the fire from the outside only results in putting the fire out when it runs out of fuel (the building and contents ) to consume.

Fire has a devasting affect - it's not just the building. It's the contents or memorabila i.e. pictures, plaques, wall decorations - that are lost to the smoke and water damage that occurs even if the building is not consumed by the actual fire. That being said I hope no one was injured.

I hope the building and contents were sufficiently insured - and rebuilding will occur without a financial loss.

Putting water on the outside is good enough if no one is in danger. It would be stupid to "attack" a fire if the only risk is to property and mementos. Better a volunteer department that does something to having nothing.

Sometimes its best that the Fire Dept didn't attack it from inside and leave it as a repairable building, this way they will Bulldoze it and start over with a new and improved version ... Sometimes they do the people a favor and just contain the fire rather than risk life and limb trying to put it out ... You are right about the SCBA though, not needed if you are not going to enter the building ... Yes, I am a former Fire Fighter/Paramedic, full time not paid on call ... I also worked search and rescue which means I had to go inside of the burning buildings if it was reported that someone might be in them ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

Sorry to hear about this except for the mementos the building can be replaced. I have never been to this club but i'm sure it will be even nicer when it gets rebuilt. As for midalike one of the rules of firefighting either paid or volunteer is you should never have fire above, below, or behind you. This fire was in the attic so you need to ask yourself what is ones life worth.